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I have quite alot of models to paint which I can't manage to keep on top of, I just can't find the time.
Can you suggest any advice, it would be great to hear your ideas...

Hi mate - I suffered the same prob. I hate batch painting, and need new challenges all the time.

I keep my paints etc close at hand/out on the table (to the annoyance of my GF), along with 4-5 different models. Then when we watch tv, i try to do a bit of painting. Sometimes I get 1/2 an hour in, sometimes 5 mins.

I reckon Id average 2 hours a week (max), and Im a slow painter.

darkkt wrote:

I reckon Id average 2 hours a week (max), and Im a slow painter.

Same....

I'm similar as well.

I tend to try and watch something while painting stuff as it helps me paint for a little longer than if I just sat down and did it. I get bored easily.

Maybe try setting a weekly goal, nothing major or challenging just something to aim for. To that end there was a weekly goal WIP thread started the other week and I'm sure that you could join in for next week. Here it is:
http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/262505.page#1067239

I find making shameless use of the iPlayer and 4od helps too as then you can fit your watching and painting around when you want to do it, rather than when there's anything worthwhile on tv.

Some of the best tips that I've picked up:

1) Have a dedicated place to paint.
It's a big motivation hit to have to start getting out your paints, brushes, tools and whatever else. It's also easier to keep track of what needs to be done.

2) Just force yourself.
Once you get into a rhythm, it's far easier to continue. Old Fogey, one of the best painters on the Warhammer.org.uk forums suggests to paint every day. While that's just not possible for a lot of people, he knows what he's talking about.

3) Have proper lighting
Or alternatively I've seen people say to paint in the same lighting conditions that you intend to play in. It's disappointing to look at something you lovingly blended and shaded the night before and find that it looks crap in different lighting.

4) Have something else to entertain you
Caffeine has a great suggestion with 4oD and iPlayer. Some people say that they just listen to music but I like to have videos on. I don't know how many episodes of the Simpsons, Dexter and House I've watched while painting Orkz and Dwarfs.

This mightn't seem to directly solve the mountains of plastic but motivations a key factor to turning it into painted models.

For me I have all of my WIPS on a shelf together.

Some things can be batch painted without losing any motivation, like base colors on space marines.

I usually only batch paint large areas and then go back one by one on models and detail each one after that.

I listen to music on my computer or play a downloaded movie that I can watch without actually watching( stand up specials are great for this).

Set goals for yourself. Even if it's a single model a week from start to finish. If you have no goal then it is very easy to lose track of what you are doing and why.

I started a painting night at my house with my gaming friends. Every Thrusday night for about 5 to 9 we all get together at my house and work on our minis. I've even bought minis for Xmas for a couple of my non-gaming friends to work on 'just for fun' so that they have something to do if they want to just hang out with us. It works, though I still have trouble motivating myself other days.

Thalor

Thanks every one for the ideas .

Coffee, thats the key. Lots and lots of coffee. I get bored working on the same project for too long, so I have 3 different armies that are currently in the works, as well as little side projects (Inquisitor and retinue, scratchbuilding vehicles) It helps me to jump around a bit; when I get tired of working on my main guard army, I work on my son's Tau, or my other guard army for a while. And coffee. My wife likes television of the lowest denominator, so it's nice to make a pot of coffee (or two) and sit at the work bench, put on some classic twilight zone, and work on my figures. I get my best work done when the new crap aires in the fall, as she is preoccupied with shows, and my access to the tv is limited. And coffee, lots and lots of coffee..

Audio books, DVD commentary for movies/shows I like, podcasts.

aerethan wrote:

Set goals for yourself. Even if it's a single model a week from start to finish. If you have no goal then it is very easy to lose track of what you are doing and why.

Thats the key, set goals and stick with them. For example my goal is a squad (10) a week or 1/2 a squad and a vehicle (or something else large). Although I do usually hit my goal (some weeks are worse than others) i do not make it all the time but i still crank a lot of minis out. It also depends on quality your doing as well mine are not even close to great, just simple effective tabletop paint jobs.